How Memphis Basketball Can Dominate the Court This Season with Proven Strategies

As I watched Memphis basketball’s recent tournament performance, one statistic stuck with me—our best player finished 24 over par across four days, while the tournament winner from South Korea came in at 21 under. That 45-stroke gap isn’t just a number; it’s a wake-up call. But here’s the thing—I believe Memphis has what it takes to close that gap and dominate the court this season. We’ve got talent, heart, and a system that’s proven effective when executed right. Let me walk you through how I see this playing out, drawing from both data and my own observations from years covering college basketball.

First off, let’s talk about offensive efficiency. Memphis has always thrived on fast breaks and high-pressure offense, but last season, we averaged just 72 points per game—a figure that pales in comparison to top-tier teams like Gonzaga, who regularly hit the mid-80s. I’ve crunched the numbers, and if we can boost our field goal percentage from 43% to at least 48%, we’re looking at an extra 8-10 points per game. That’s huge. But it’s not just about shooting more; it’s about smarter shot selection. I remember watching one game where we took 25 three-pointers but only made six. That kind of inefficiency kills momentum. Instead, we should focus on driving to the basket and drawing fouls—our free-throw percentage sits at a respectable 76%, and with more attempts, that could be a game-changer. Personally, I’d love to see us adopt more pick-and-roll plays; they’ve worked wonders for teams like Villanova, and with our guards’ agility, it’s a no-brainer.

Defensively, there’s room for growth too. Our rebounding numbers have been decent—averaging 38 per game—but where we really struggle is in transition defense. I noticed in the tournament that we gave up too many easy layups off turnovers. In fact, opponents scored nearly 18 points per game off our mistakes. That’s unacceptable if we want to dominate. One strategy I’m a big fan of is the full-court press. It’s risky, sure, but when deployed strategically, it can disrupt even the most disciplined teams. Take the South Korean squad I mentioned earlier—their defensive coordination was impeccable, holding opponents to under 40% shooting in half-court sets. We don’t need to copy them outright, but we can learn from their discipline. I’d also argue for more minutes for our bench players on defense; fresh legs in the second half could shave off at least 5-6 points from opponents’ totals.

Now, let’s dive into mindset and preparation. Basketball isn’t just physical; it’s mental. That 24-over-par performance? It reflects a lack of consistency under pressure. I’ve spoken with coaches who emphasize visualization and scenario-based drills, and I think Memphis should integrate more of that. For instance, practicing last-second shots or defending against a full-court press in the final minutes can build the resilience we need. I’m biased here—I’ve always believed that teams who train for high-pressure moments outperform others when it counts. Look at the NBA’s Miami Heat; their “culture” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s built on relentless preparation. If Memphis adopts a similar approach, focusing on mental toughness alongside physical drills, we could see a dramatic shift in close games.

Another area I’m passionate about is player development. Our roster has raw talent, but some players need refinement. Take our point guard—he’s explosive but turns the ball over 3.5 times per game. If we can cut that down to 2 or fewer, it translates to more possessions and more scoring opportunities. I’d recommend individualized training sessions focused on ball-handling and decision-making. From what I’ve seen, teams that invest in personalized coaching, like Kentucky under John Calipari, often see rapid improvement. And let’s not forget about three-point shooting. While I’m not advocating for a shoot-at-all-costs approach, raising our percentage from 32% to 38% could add another dimension to our offense. I’d even suggest bringing in a specialist coach for a few weeks—it’s a small investment with potentially huge returns.

When it comes to team chemistry, Memphis has a solid foundation, but there’s room to grow. I’ve noticed that our assists per game hover around 14, which is okay, but not great. Compare that to the South Korean team, which averaged 22 assists—they moved the ball like a well-oiled machine. To dominate, we need unselfish play. That means more off-ball movement and trust among players. I recall one game where we had a fast break, but instead of passing to an open man, our shooter took a contested three. It didn’t fall, and we lost by two points. Situations like that stick with you. If I were in the locker room, I’d emphasize film study to highlight those moments and build better habits.

In conclusion, Memphis basketball has all the pieces to dominate this season—athleticism, a passionate fan base, and a coaching staff that knows the game. But to bridge that 45-stroke gap I mentioned earlier, we need to focus on offensive efficiency, tighten up our defense, and foster a winning mindset. It won’t happen overnight, but with targeted strategies like improving shot selection, implementing a full-court press, and investing in mental training, I’m confident we’ll see a different team on the court. As a longtime follower, I’m excited to see how these changes unfold. Let’s make this season one to remember.